Function Generators Comparison

The capabilities of a function generator vary greatly with its price. In this blog post, we will provide a function generators comparison of Hantek and Siglent function generators at four different price points ranging from $149.00 to $5,299.00. Additionally, we will discuss EasyPulse technology, propriety software from Siglent useful for waveform generation, which many of the function generators in this list come equipped.

What is a function generator?

A function generator (also referred to as an arbitrary waveform generator) is a tool used to generate electrical waveforms over a range of frequencies, and are typically used to prototype, test, and repair electrical equipment with analog circuits. Standard function generators can produce waveforms of the sine, square, triangular, and saw-tooth shape.

Many Siglent function generators (a popular function generator brand) come equipped with EasyPulse technology. EasyPulse produces quick rising/falling edge, low jitter, tiny duty cycle waveforms and is not affecting by frequency variation. Additionally, the pulse edge and width can be fine adjusted in a large range. Even though a function generator that comes equipped with EasyPulse technology may be more expensive, it extends the wave producing capabilities of the generator several times over, and is worth the added expense.

Can output pulses with quick rising/falling edge (6ns) under very low frequency (less than 1Hz)

Pulse width can be minimized to 12ns under low frequency, with extremely low duty cycle

Parameters of pulse can be easily and immediately changed without updating any waveform data

Pulse Edge or width can be widely adjusted

The four function generators we will compare in this blog consist of the Hantek 1025G, the Siglent SDG1050, SDG5162, and the SDG6052X. We will provide a description of each of the four generators progressing by their price. At the end of the blog is a Function Generator Specification Comparison Table which lists the key specifications and features of the four function generators mentioned in this list.

Hantek 1025G 25MHz Arbitrary Function Generator (price $149.00)

The Hantek 1025G is one of the best performing function generators under $200.00. For only $149.00, it comes equipped with a programmable pattern generator, is easy to use, doesn’t require an external power source, and works seamlessly with many Windows operating systems. It’s 200 MSa/s sampling rate, 12 bits of vertical resolution, and its 25 MHz waveform output makes it a suitable tool for many engineering applications.

The Siglent SDG1050 is a feature loaded function generator, that comes with a 3.5-inch LCD display, a Chinese/English language selector, online help functionality, USB connection capabilities, and internal RAM storage for file saving. Additionally, the SDG1050 comes with DDS and EasyWave technology. The SDG1050 meets all the basic needs of many engineering applications, and you can purchase a new or refurbished model at Circuit Specialists.

Siglent SDG1050 Specifications:

Maximum output frequency: 50MHz

Output channels: 2

Sample rate: 125MSa/s

Arbitrary waveform length: 16kpts

Frequency resolution: 1μHz

Vertical resolution: 14bits

Waveforms: Sine, Square, Ramp, Pulse, Gaussian Noise.

48built-in arbitrary waveforms (including DC)

Modulation: AM, DSB-AM, FM, PM, FSK, ASK, PWM, Sweep, Burst

Frequency counter Range: 100mHz~200MHz

Standard interface: USB Host & Device

Dimension: Width x Height x Depth=229mm x 105mm x 281mm

Siglent SDG5162 160MHz Arbitrary Waveform Generator (price $1,192.00)

The Siglent SDG5162 is a high-performing function generator especially when considering its reasonable price. This is seen in the SDG5162’s large output frequency of 160 MHz and sampling rate of 500 MSa/s, as well as a 14 bit vertical resolution. Like many higher end Siglent’s, the SDG5162 comes equipped with the Siglent EasyPluse pulse generation algorithm.

The defining feature of the SDG6052X is it’s large sampling rate of 2.4 GSa/s and it’s superior, 16 bit vertical resolution. Additionally, with the help of TrueArb and EasyPulse technology, the SDG6023X is able to exceed the capabilities of traditional DDS generators when generating arbitrary, square, and pulse waveforms. This function generator is clearly one of the most flexible and powerful waveform generating tools on the market. If you would like to learn more about the SDG6052X, check out the product page on CircuitSpecialists.com.

Introduction

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